Machine for handling cards and the like



Aug. 24, 1954 A. a CHEW MACHINE FOR HANDLING CARDS AND THE LIKE Filed April 16, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR ALBERT. C. CHEW BY ATTORNEYS Aug. 24, 1954 A. c. CHEW 2,687,300

MACHINE FOR HANDLING cmos AND THE LIKE Filed April 16, l952 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR 78 M ALBERT Q.CHEw

ATTORN EY'5 Aug. 24, 1954 A. c. CHEW 2,637,300

MACHINE FOR HANDLING CARDS AND THE LIKE Filed April 16, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR 5 E' ALBERT C. CHEW J v /uvnn-w ATTORNEYS Aug. .24, 1954 A. C. CHEW MACHINE FOR HANDLING CARDS AND THE LIKE Filed April 16, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR ALBERT C. CHEW ATTORNEYS Patented Aug. 24, 1954 MACHINE FOR HANDLING CARDS AND THE LIKE Albert C. Chew, New York, N. Y., assignor to Hohson-Miller Machinery, Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application April 16, 1952, Serial No. 282,630

4 Claims. 1

Particularly, but not exclusively, in the printing arts, there are manifold requirements for the economic and high speed handling of stacks of cards and like small paper forms upon which is to be performed some operation such as the printing of written information. The preparation of common postal envelopes of various sizes and shapes is a good example.

In keeping with its general objects, the present invention provides for such usages as the foregoing, new and improved automatically functioning machines which have such prominent advantages as the following with respect to machines hitherto available: greater versatility in the accommodation of different sized cards; and greater reliability against malfunctioning during high speed handling of the successive cards in the stack, whereby each card of the stack may be rapidly processed through the machine with minimum risk of mangling, improper printing, or improper ejection from the machine.

The combinations of elements comprising the invention and which provide the foregoing advantages, as well as others, will better be understood by reference to the following description of one illustrative embodiment. It is to be understood, of course, that numerous modifications of this embodiment may be made without departing from the full scope of the invention. It will be understood further that the illustrated machine is capable of handling many forms of small paper or like stacked objects, whether for printing or other purposes, and that, therefore, the word card is chosen for convenience of description and, consequently, is to be construed broadly as meaning any such objects.

In the annexed drawings which show the illustrated embodiment:

Fig. l is a side view of the entire machine showing, in general, a rack-like card feed hopper at the top for feeding cards successively to the printing roller mechanism shown to its left, the power mechanisms being below;

Fig. 2 is a top elevational view of Fig. 1 along the lines 2-2;

Fig. 3 is a detailed sectional view along the lines 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an illustration of the separator disks for separating the leading cards from the stack immediately before their engagement with the roller, including parts of a finger mechanism which positively pushes the lower edge of the card into engagement with the roller;

Fig. 5 is a detailed illustration of the latter finger mechanism;

Fig. 6 illustrates the mechanism for varying the width of the feed hopper to accommodate different width cards;

Fig. '7 is an illustration in better detail, particularly of the reciprocating suction mechanisms which draw the leading cards into engagement with the separator disks and is a view as though along the lines l-l of Fig. 3; while Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are schematic illustrations of the working of the separator disks.

Referring now to the drawings, the general elements of the machine are as follows. printing purposes, a stack of cards H (Fig. 3) is to be placed on an inclined rack-like feed hopper [2 having guide racks l3 and I4 laterally adjustable from the center line (Fig. 2) so as to accommodate different width cards. As the cards move down the rack, the leading card is fed successively to the printing mechanism comprising the pressure roller I5 and the co-operating printing cylinder I6 so that the cards may be passed successively between the roller l5 and the cylinder IS with the relative rotation of these two members. Additional guide rollers I! (Fig. 7) resting on the pressure roller [5 and rolling freely thereon by virtue of its own weight and friction is provided for engaging and guiding the upper edge of the cards and facilitating their entry into the space between a fixed curved guide Ila and the roller' I 5. The pressure roller l5, as best indicated by Fig. 2, takes the'form of a cylinder having cut-out portions I8 extending axially inwardly from the ends of its generally cylindrical configuration so as to form peripherally spaced plate-like segments 49 upon which the cards are carried individually during the printing or like processing; the roller structure being supported and made rigid by its narrow central cylindrical strip 20 (Fig. 2), the spokes 2i and the hub 22.

For peeling off or separating the successive leading cards from the stack l I so. that they may be pushed into engagement with the roller I5 by mechanisms presently to be indicated, there are provided the segmented separator disks 23 and 24 positioned so that each may engage one of the two ends of the leading card as best illustrated by the Figs. 4 and 8 through 10. As seen, these disks have a wheel-like form except for the open gaps 25 and 26 in their peripheries leading into the areas between the spokes. In operation, these disks rotate in directions indicated by the arrows in Figs. 4 and 8 through 10 in such manner that their leading edges 2! and 28 may be introduced between the leading card of the stack and its successor, whereby continued rotation For will completely separate the leading card from the stack as one revolution of the disks is completed.

Co-operating with and facilitating the action of the disks 23 and 24 are the air suction mechanisms 29 and 30, i. e., one for each of the disks. Each of these may comprise a suitable flexible hose-like device, such as rubber hoses 3i and 32 arranged to be reciprocated in timed relation by means later to be described in such manner that they will move forward toward the stack H and through the cut-out portions l8 into close proximity with the disks 23 and 24 and then move rearwardly at the proper time so as not to interfere with the movement of the segments l9. These mechanisms function to suck the upper corners of the card forwardly to insure unfailing insertion of the leading edges 21 and 28 between the leading card and its successor. The hoses may be supplied with low pressure air for suction by any suitable means (not shown). This action is best illustrated by the Figs. 8, 9 and 10. Fig. 8 illustrates the time at which the hoses 3i and 32 have advanced to their forwardmost position at which they suck forward the upper corners of the card (Fig. 4) while the leading edges 21 and 28 (beveled, as indicated, in the radial direction for sharpness) are advanced in the direction indicated by the arrows for insertion between the sucked-forward corners of the leading card and its successor. Fig. 9 illustrates the moment at which suction has drawn forward the upper corners 33 and 34 and the leading edges 21 and 28 are just about to be inserted. Immediately after insertion, the hoses 3| and 32 begin their return movement and the disks complete the separation as Fig. indicates. As Fig. 10 further indicates, at this moment, a gap is provided between the hoses 3i and 32 at the stack H for the arrival of the segment [9 which is to pick up the separated leading card.

On the trailing edges of the segments l9 which rotate counterclockwise as seen in Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 7. are provided the shelf-like projections 35 for engaging the lower end of the leading card as it is separated from the stack and lifting the same along with the motion of the roller 15. In order to insure unfailing engagement of the lower edge of the leading card with these projections there is provided a finger mechanism 36 best illustrated in the Figs. 3 and 5 and positioned just below the inner edges of the racks l3 and 14. This finger mechanism operates in timed relation to the separator disks 23 and 24, roller l5 and suction mechanisms 29 and 3! to press the lower edge of the leading card toward the segment 19 just prior to its engagement by the projections 35. The mechanism may be afiixed to the bottom of the hopper l2 and comprises the cam-operated arm 31 journalled on the member 33 afiixed to the hopper I2, the cam 39 rotatable in the direction shown, and the finger 40. The arm 31 is biased downwardly by the spring M while the finger 40 is biased to rotate in a clockwise direction by a suitable hair spring 42 at its journal with the arm 31. As seen, the finger 60 has a cam surface 43 for engagement with a cam stop 44 so that upward motion of the finger 38 caused by upward motion of the arm 31 will in turn cause the finger 40 to be rotated counterclockwise toward engagement with the lower edge of the leading card as illustrated in Fig. 5. Downward or counterclockwise rotation of the arm 3! will permit withdrawal of the finger 40 to the position shown in Fig. 3 by virtue of the spring biasing. It will be apparent how the cam 39 operating on the cam roller 45 of the arm 37 will bring about this action when the cam is adjusted to provide the proper timing with relation to the separator disks and the segments Hi. It is understood, of course, that the finger mechanisms are in duplicate-one co-operating with each separator disk as Fig. 4 illustrates.

As will be apparent from the Fig. 2, for example, the separator disks 23 and 24, together with the just-described finger mechanisms and their necessary operating mechanisms, are mounted on the guide racks l3 and It so that they may move therewith when adjustment is made for cards of different lengths. In order that the guide racks i3 and [4 may be adjusted toward and away from the center line for purposes of adjusting the machine to accommodate any given length of card, there may be provided the worm screw mechanisms $6 and 4'! driven by the manually operable wheel 48 and the interconnecting belt #59. As will be readily understood, these mechanisms can be arranged to engage the guide racks l3 and Hi and move them in unison and in opposite directions toward and away from the center line of the hopper. Fig. 6 details a suitable construction in which the worm l6 engages the slide member 50 to move the same laterally of hopper; the slide 58 in turn engaging the guide rack M through a suitable slot 5| in the supporting structure.

It is to be understood that any suitable means may be provided for causing the timed co-operaticn of the foregoing elements in the manner indicated, i. e., such that while the roller l5 rotates continuously the separator disks will feed the leading card of the stack H to a segment is in time to permit engagement of the projections 35 with the lower edge, the reciprocation of the suction mechanism at the proper time and the actuation of the fingers 40 at their proper time. However, a suitable means for powering the mechanisms in these timed relationships will now be indicated.

The prime mover of the machine may comprise the motor 52 (Fig. 1) driving the speed control ling gear box 53 which in turn drives through the belt 54, the roller I5, all of these mechanisms being fixedly mounted on the table-like structure 55. As Fig. 2 illustrates, the belt 54 applies power to the shaft 56 of the roller #5. Power from this shaft may then be transmitted through a suitable belt or chain drive illustrated by 5? to a main drive shaft 58 (Fig. l) From the shaft 58 a similar belt or chain drive 59 may apply power to the shaft 68 upon which the cams 39 (Figs. 3 and 5) are mounted, thus providing the power -Zor the finger mechanisms. Angular positionin of the cams 39 on this shaft Gil, as is well understood, will permit adjustment of the necessary timing relationships. Further suitable belts or chain drives 5i may transmit power to a shaft 52 (Fig. 2) which supplies the motive power for the separator disks 23 and 24 through the beveled gear systems 83 mounted, as already indicated, by suitable means on the guide racks l3 and M. The belts or chains 6! may be appropriately arranged to accommodate adjustment of the racks Hi and M.

For reciprocating the suction mechanisms 29 and 31), there may be provided the belts or chain drives is which transmit power to the suitably mounted shafts upon which are provided the eccentric cams 6% (Figs. 2 and '7). By mechanisms well understood, the cams as they rotate with their shafts may be caused to reciprocate the hoses 3| and 32 to cause them to approach the separator disks 23 and 24 at the proper moment and to withdraw therefrom in time to avoid the segments [9.

I claim:

1. In a machine for processin a stack of cards of the kind including a cylindrical pressure roller and cooperating cylinder between which the cards ars successively passed with the relative r0- tation of the cylinder and roller, a mechanism for feeding the cards to the roller and cylinder comprising, a cylindrical pressure roller as aforesaid but including cut-out portions extending axially inwardly from its ends so as to form peripherally spaced segments on which the cards ride, a shelf device on the trailing edge of each of the segments for engaging the trailing edges of the cards, a rack for holding a stack of cards and directing them sequentially to the roller, a pair of separator disks for separating the leading card from the stack for pick-up by the roller and shelf device, reciprocating suction mechanisms for drawing the leading card into engagement with the disks movable through the cut-out portions into proximity with the separator disks, finger means for pushing the trailing edge of the leading card toward engagement with the roller to insure engagement thereof by the shelf device, and power means for driving the roller, the separator disks, the. suction mechanisms, and the finger means in timed relation to position the cards successively on the segments.

2. In a machine for processing a stack of cards of the kind includin a cylindrical pressure roller and co-operating cylinder between which the cards are successively passed with the relative rotation of the cylinder and roller, a mechanism for feeding the cards one by one to the roller and cylinder comprising, a cylindrical pressure roller as aforesaidbut including cut-out portions extending axially inwardly from its ends so as to form peripherally spaced segments on which the cards ride, a shelf device on the trailing edge of each of the segments for engaging the trailingedges of the cards, a rack for holding a stack of cards and directing them sequentially to the roller including spaced parallel guides adjustable with respect to each other to accommodate different card lengths, a pair of separator disks each on one of the guides for separating the leading card from the stack for pick-up by the roller and shelf device, reciprocating suction mechanisms for drawing the leading card into engagement with the disks movable through the cut-out portions into proximity with the separator disks, finger means one on each of the guides for pushing the trailing edge of the leading card toward engagement with the roller to insure engagement thereof by the shelf device, and power means for driving the roller, the separator disks, the suction mechanisms and the finger means in timed relation to position the cards successively on the segments.

3. In a machine for processing a stack of cards of the kind including a cylindrical pressure roller and co-operating cylinder between which the cards are successively passed with the relative rotation of the cylinder and roller, a mechanism for feedin the cards to the roller and cylinder comprising a cylindrical pressure roller as aforesaid but including cut-out portions extending axially inwardly from its ends so as to form peripherally-spaced segments on Which the cards ride, a shelf device on the trailing edge of each of the segments for engaging the trailing edges of the cards, a rack for holdinga stack of cards and directing them sequentially to the roller, a pair of separator disks adjacent the outer surface of the pressure roller for separating the leading card from the stack for pick-up by the roller and shelf device, reciprocatable suction mechanisms within the pressure roller for drawing the leading card into engagement with the disks movable through the cut-out portions into proximity with the separator disks, means for moving the trailing edge of the leading card on the rack toward engagement with the roller to insure engagement thereof by the shelf device, and power means for driving the roller, the separator disks, and the suction mechanisms in timed relation to position the cards successively on the segments.

4. In a machine for processing a stack of cards of the kind including a cylindrical pressure roller and co-operating cylinder between which the cards are successively passed with the relative rotation of the cylinder and roller, a mechanism for feedin the cards to the roller and cylinder comprising a cylindrical pressure roller as aforesaid but including cut-out portions extending axially inwardly from its ends so as to form peripherally-spaced segments on which the cards ride, a shelf device on the trailing edge of each of the segments for engaging the trailing edges of the cards, a rack for holdin a stack of cards and directing them sequentially to the roller including parallel-spaced guides adjustable with respect to each other to accommodate different card lengths, a pair of separator disks adjustable with the guides and adjacent the outer surface of the pressure roller for separating the leading card from the stack for pick-up by the roller and shelf device, reciprocatable suction mechanisms within the pressure roller for drawing the leading card into engagement with the disks movable through the cut-out portions into proximity with the separator disks, means for movin the trailing edge of the leading card on the rack toward engagement with the roller to insure engagement thereof by the shelf device, and power means for driving the roller, the separator disks, and the suction mechanisms in timed relation to position the cards successively on the segments.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,646,230 Berkowitz Oct. 18, 1927 1,875,189 Winkler Aug. 30, 1932 2395,49! Norquist Feb. 26, 1946 

